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Ch)ir)ese Love 



e PLAY IN ONE fICT 



By 
CLARE KUMMER 



Copyright, 1922, by Samuel French 




New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 
28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

Strand, W.C. 2. 



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CHINESE LOVE 



A PLAY IN ONE ACT 



BY 
CLARE KUMMER 



All Righls Reserved 
Copyright, 1922, by Samuel French 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



3EC 9 1982 ) >^^"^ Cb 



"CHINESE LOVE'* is fully protected by copyright and is 
subject to royalty when produced by professionals or 
amateurs. 

Permission to act. read publicly, or to make any use of it 
must be obtained from SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 
38th Street. New York, and no performance may take place 
until a written permission has been obtained. 

Professional and amateur rates quoted on application. 

Whenever this play is produced the following notice must 
appear on all programs, printing and advertising for the 
play: — Produced by special arrangement with SAMUEL 
FRENCH of New York. 



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CHINESE LOVE 
PROPERTY PLOT 

Two trees. 

Screen. 

Very low Chinese tea taMe. 

Tea set. 

Long scroll of parchment containing proclama- 
tions. 

Chinese gold coins. 

Small jade handled dagger. 

Two cushions for Chung Fah and Wing So to 
kneel on while having tea. 

Large Chinese gong off stage. 




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CHINESE LOVE 

WORDS AND MUSIC 

BY 

CLARE KUMMER 

Originally produced at the Punch & Judy Theatre, 
New York, Monday, Feb. 13, 192 1, with the follow- 
ing cast : 

PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

Wing So, A Chinese P/>of^. .Stanley Howlett 

Chan Fah, His Wife Sallie Fisher 

Ming Too, Their Son 

Ah Mee, a Dear Lady Friend May Ellison 

Mo Yen, Emissary of the Lazv and Custodian of the 

Tea House — J. M. Kerrigan 

Hing Hi, a Mandarin James Lounsberry 

Scene: Garden of Mo Yen's Tea House. 

Time: A summer afternoon. 

Discovered: Mo Yen and Ah Mee. Mo Yen 
studying from a parchment the pronitnciamento 
relating to Wing So's execution. He is not 
aware at first of the presence of Ah Mee. 

Mo Yen. (Reading and memorising) "Hi-yah! 
3 



4 CHINESE LOVE 

Hi-yah! On the high seas for many years, Wing 
So captured and sunk many ships. To ^ foreign 
countries he went and all he did was against the 
mighty Chinese law which says that no man must 
do the things that Wing So has done. So according 
to the most noble wishes " ^ ^ 

Ah Mee. (Interrupting him politely) Sir, if 
you have quite finished 

Mo Yen. (Continuing) " — of the highly hon- 
orable Mandarin, acting for the Imperial emperor 
of China, this day is led to execution, Wing So. Hi- 
yah!" 

Ah Mee. Sir — ^thanks, please. (Bowing.) 

Mo Yen. If that is all, I will begin agai'n. 
(Turning back to the parchment.) 

Ah Mee. (Anxiously) No — it is not all. Tell 
me — we have not made a mistake? It is by this 
way they will pass? 

Mo Yen. This way and no other. You will 
have a fine view of the road from the tea-house 
windows. . . . And you cannot mistake Wing So. 
He is a tall man and carries himself like a prince. 
But then — a pirate can pick and choose his clothes. 

Ah Mee. (With dignity) I am not afraid of 
mistaking Wing So for any other man. 

Mo Yen. No.'' 

Ah Mee. No, I know him very well — I am the 
most dear friend of Chan Fah, his wife — she sits 
yonder in the tea-house, waiting for him to pass. 
Also Ming Too, their son. 

Mo Yen. Ah — so that is Chan Fah — she waits 
for him to pass. V/omen are strange. What does 
she want with him ? 

Ah Mee. To say good-bye. He has taught her 
to kiss good-bye in the English manner. Also Ming 
Too, their son. 

Mo Yen. Hah — that is very interesting. You 
know it was Chan Fah, his wife, who gave him up 



CHINESE LOVE 5 

to the authorities — but for her he might not be go- 
ing to part with his head this fine sunny afternoon. 
Ah Mee. I know nothing of what you say. 
Therefore, I cannot Hsten to you. You say she gave 
him up ? 

Mo Yen. For many thousand yen — there was a 
price on his head — he is, as perhaps you know, a 
particularly skillful pirate. 

Ah Mee. Wing So does everything well. 

Mo Yen. Yes. He is wanted by the English 
authorities for smuggling opium — that is very seri- 
ous — so we put a large price on his head. The vast 
sum was paid to his wife, when she gave him over 
to the authorities — she will not want for anything. 

Ah Mee. I am the dear friend of Chan Fah and 
I do not understand what you are saying — there- 
fore, I do not believe it. She is a most beautiful 
character — most devoted to her husband. Also 
Ming Too, their son. 

Mo Yen. If so, then I am glad my wife is not 
devoted to me — though not being a pirate, I might 
perhaps escape with my life. . . . 

Ah Mee. She is coming— be very respectful, 
please — remembering she will soon be a widow. 

Mo Yen. That is certainly her fault; not mine. 

Shan Fah. (Approaching. She is beautifully 
dressed, wearing many jezvels. Ming Too is with 
her) Why do you discourse so long, Ah Mee, with 
the honorable stranger? 

Mo Yen. Mo Yen is my name, Emissary of the 
law and custodian of the Tea House. 

Chan Fah. I am pleased to make your ac- 
quaintance. I am Chan Fah, wife of Wing So, 
perfect gentleman and highly reputable pirate. 

Mo Yen. I know. 

Chan Fah. I am most desirous of havmg speech 
with my husband, if there is no objection. (Giving 
him gold.) 



6 CHINESE LOVE 

Mo Yen. If your husband has no objections, I 
have not. 

Chan Fah. Thank you. Perhaps we may be 
left alone for a little while together ? I have a paper 
saying it can be permitted. 

Mo Yen. (Taking the paper) I see. It shall 
be as you wish. You give your word that Wing So 
will not kill himself, thus cheating the authorities. 

Chan Fah. My word of honor. Wing So does 
not believe in killing himself unless it is quite agree- 
able to everybody. 

Mo Yen. And you will not kill him ? You have, 
I see, a very pretty little dagger there (Observ- 
ing jade handle of tiny dagger which Chan Fah 
hns concealed in her dress.) 

Chan Fah. Wing So's heart is much too deep 
to be reached by that tiny thing. 

Mo Yen. Very good, then — I will see that you 
are left together. 

Chan Fah. We might even have tea (Giv- 
ing him another piece of geld.) 

Mo Yen. (Doubtfully) In the Tea House? 

Chan Fah. No, here — where we will be quite 
alone. 

Mo Yen. I will see. 

Chan Fah. (Giving him another piece of gold) 
I am sure that you will see correctly. Honorable 
Mo Yen. Are there many being executed to-day? 

Mo Yen. Only your husband. There will be no 
procession to speak of, only the executioner and 
the Mandarin, Hing Hi, who is obliged to be pres- 
ent in accordance with the law. 

Chan Fah. Perhaps the highly honorable Man- 
darin, Hing Hi, will take tea in the tea house? 

Mo Yen. If it is served him for nothing, I am 
quite sure he will. 

Chan Fah. See that it is served him for noth- 
ing. (Giving him another piece of gold.) 



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CHINESE LOVE 7 

(Music for the entrance of Wing So J 

Ah Mee. They are coming. 

Mo Yen. I join the procession here. I will di- 
vert the Mandarin this way. (Calling the proniin- 
ciamento, exit Mo Yen r.u.e.) Hi-yah! Hi-yah! 
On the high seas for many years Wing So captured 
and sunk many ships. To foreign countries he went 
and all he did was against the mighty Chinese law, 
which says that no man must do the things that 
Wing So has done. So, according to the most noble 
wishes of the highly honorable Mandarin acting for 
the Imperial Emperor of China, this day is led to 
execution Wing So. Hi-yah ! 

Chan Fah. Conduct yourself with great dignity, 
Ah Mee. And you, my son — (To Ming Too; — 
make yourself as tall as possible so as to more re- 
semble your most glorious, noble father. 

(Enter Mo Yen, Wing So and Hing Hi. r.u.e. 
Chan Fah kneels before her husband. He 
pats her head tenderly.) 

Wing So. Chan Fah ! If anything could add to 
my pleasure this bright, beautiful day, it is to see 
you here ! 

Chan Fah. (Bowing with dignity and conceal- 
ing her emotion) Wing So. honorable husband! 

Wing So. And you, Ah Mee. 

Ah Mee. Also Ming Too, your son! 

Wing So. Also Ming Too! You stand very 
straight, my son — see that you continue to do so — 
and take the most extraordinary care of your honor- 
able, precious mother. ... I would say more — if 
you could understand me. 

Chan Fah. I am sure he understands you, Wing 
So. 

Wing So, Yes? 



8 CHINESE LOVE 

Chan Fah. Yes. When my honorable father 
went to his ancestors I was of the same age as Ming 
Too. And I have always remembered every word 
he said to me — reminded, of course, occasionally by 
my honorable mother. 

Wing So. That makes me very happy, Chan 
Fah. Shall I perhaps say a few words more to him 
— that his honorable mother may remind him of in 
thejdays to come? 

Chan Fah. No, it is not necessary. I am quite 
capable of remembering v/hat you said, Wing So. 

Wing So. Without my saying it? Very well, 
choose what I have said wisely. 

Chan Fah. Ah Mee, say good-bye to my hon- 
orable husband, and take little Ming Too for almond 
cakes to the tea house. 

Ah Mee. (Kneeling before Wing Soj Fare- 
well, and may your ancestors greet you with the most 
gracious, affectionate remarks, dear Wing So. I 
am dear friend to you and your honorable wife and 
so shall remain. 

Wing So. Most respectful thanks, Ah Mee, to 
you and your honorable family. Ming Too, your 
father (Laying his hand on the baby's head.) 

Chan Fah. He understands perfectly, Wing So 
— if he does not, I will tell him. 

(An Mee goes up into tea house with Ming Too.j 

Mo Yen. (Approaching) The most honorable 
Mandarin, Hing Hi, would like to speak with the 
wife of Wing So. He may approach? 

Wing So. Certainly — if you do not object, my 
adored Chan Fah. You will find he is a most agree- 
able gentleman — ^it was wnth great difficulty that I 
persuaded him to let me walk on ahead as is the 
custom — and have beautiful thoughts of you and 
our son. 



CHINESE LOVE 9 

Chan Fait. Certainly then, if you wish it, Wing- 
So, but do not encourage him to talk very long — 
for I wish to be alone with my honorable husband 
as soon as possible, as long as possible. 

CHiNG Hi approaches.) 

HiNG Hi. Good morning, beautiful Chan Fah — 
I wished to say a few words to you, if it would 
not be too disag-reeable. 

Chan Fah. Most pleasant, on the contrary — 
since my honorable husband speaks for me — to en- 
counter charming, gracious Mandarin, Hing Hi. 

HiNG Hi. (Bozving) I am glad to hear that you 
are to be left in great happiness and comfort, Chan 
Fah — and I wish to state, as an old man who is 
wise as he is ugly, that you did quite right in giving 
your husband up to the authorities. 

Chan Fah. Wing So I shall always obey. 

Hing Hi. Oh, you obeyed Wing So? 

Wing So. Since she has told you, yes — it was I 
ordered her to give me up. 

Hing Hi. Well, but was that known to the au- 
thorities? Is it, in other words, legal? 

Wing So. It is to be hoped so, honorable, gra- 
cious Hing Hi. Since I am about to lose my head, 
it is better for Chan Fah to have the 40,000 yen than 
some poor fellow who would not know what to do 
with it. Besides, no one knows but yourself — and 
you will have forgotten by to-morrow, honorable 
gentleman that you are, the words Chan Fah has 
said. 

Hing Hi. (Thoughtfully) Yes, it is better for 
your wife to have the money than some poor wretch 
like Mo Yen. 

Mo Yen. Thanks. Please. 

Hing Hi. (Looking at Cu an Fah) Now she is 
rich — yes — that is very good. 



10 CHINESE LOVE 

Wing So. For some time, as you know, Hing 
Hi, I was a most successful pirate — but of late all 
that has changed — a pirate's wife must now live in 
poverty. Who will say that is right? 

Hing Hi. Very hard for a beautiful wife like 
Chan Fah. 

Wing So. Very. While Chan Fah did not 
marry me for gold and jewels, surely it was only 
to be expected that she should want these things. 
I could not give them to her — those she had, she 
was obliged to part with. Who will say that was 
right? 

Hing Hi. But now she has them. 

Wing So. Yes. And she will keep them. Six 
boys who have been with me on the high seas will 
see that she keeps them. 

Hing Hi. Six boys? 

Wing So. Six. Whereabouts not known to the 
authorities. It might be as well, noble Hing Hi, if 
you warn anyone going to my house with an idea 
of my being away — these boys are very rough ! 

Hing Hi. (Duly impressed) Very rough? I 
see. I will remember that. You do not wish your 
wife to marry again? 

Wing So. I am sorry, Chan Fah — if you should 
wish to marry again 

Chan Fah. (Coming down) I shall never wish 
to do so, honorable husband — do not speak of such 
a disaster. 

Wing So. The idea, I confess, is not pleasant to 
me. 

Chan Fah. I am your faithful, devoted wife — 
you are away, on a journey; that is all. 

Hing Hi. Very laudable, I should say — very, 
yes, indeed. 

Chan Fah. Then since we agree so perfectly, 
let us speak no more of the matter. 

King Hi. Quite right. I am having tea served 



CHINESE LOVE it 

in the tea house. You wish to say good-bye to your 
honorable husband. I will drink six cups of tea, 
so do not hurry. 

Chan Fah. Most honorable, pleasant Hing Hi, 
all that my husband said of you is true. 

(Hing Hi goes into tea house.) 

Wing So. Ah, yes — he would have made a most 
excellent pirate — if he had not consorted with low 
rascals and become a politician. (Looking at her) 
Now that we are alone together, my little flower, I 
can permit myself to tell you that you are very 
beautiful this morning. 

Chan Fah. (Looking at him adoringly) And 
you are like the sun, my heavenly adored one, and 
most perfect husband. 

Wing So. I have tried to be a good husband 
to you, Chan Fah, but to be a good husband, one 
must be a good pirate — that I have not been of late. 
It gives me great pleasure to see you dressed prop- 
erly. 

Chan Fah. These jewels I bought according to 
your instructions. Also, I permitted myself to pur- 
chase this. (Showing him the dagger.) 

Wing So. That was very thoughtful of you, my 
darling. But I cannot use it. It would not do at 
all, under the circumstances — I have given my word. 

Chan Fah. It is not for you. my adored one, 
but for me. With your permission I would like to 
follow you immediately to the halls of our ances- 
tors. 

Wing So. No, Chan Fah. I forbid it. Do you 
not think of Ming Too, our son? Is it not enough 
that his father should be taken? 

Chan Fah. More than enough, honorable, 
darling husband. 



12 CHINESE LOVE 

Wing So. Do you not love little Ming Too, who 
so closely resembles his father? 

Chan Fah. Yes. But it makes me sad to look 
upon him and think that I shall never have another 
son — or even a daughter. 

Wing So. It is sad — we should have been mar- 
ried a year sooner — ^but then I had not met you. 
(An Mee serves the tea, placing a screen back of 
Chan Fah and Wing So. After this she exits. 
Wing So is surprised and pleased) Why, my 
darling — tea ? 

Chan Fah. Yes, honorable husband. I thought 
it would be pleasant — if your engagements will per- 
mit. (They kneel to have their tea) Do you re- 
member the day we met, Wing So? 

Wing So. Before I looked upon you, Chan Fah 
— my heart said, "She is here !" (Song.) 

('Chan Fah sings.) 

"GOLDEN LOVE" 



Under the slanting Chinese sun 

I first met you — my dear beloved one ! 

And though you bowed with great solemnity, 

Deep in your eyes, I saw that you did smile on me 1 

Refrain 

Love — ^beautiful, golden love! 
Shone in your eyes that day — 
"Love me," I heard you say. 
Not with your lips, but with your 
. Eyes ! Beautiful, golden eyes ! 
Even before I knew, 
My eyes replied, "I do !" 



CHINESE LOVE 13 

2 

Before the slanting sun had set, 

I knew I never could forget, 

The way you spoke my name — and Oh, 

I knew, if asked, across the world with you I'd go! 

Refrain 

(The music of the procession begins. Wing So looks 
toward the tea house. They rise.) 

Mo Yen. He is taking his sixth cup. 

Wing So. I believe I must go. I shall take a 
very ceremonious leave of you, my dear, in a mo- 
ment. (Takes Chan Faii in his arms.) 

Chan Fah. Oh! 

Wing So. Do not weep, my beloved. It is noth- 
ing. It is a blessed release from all my troubles — 
only not having any troubles, I cannot help wishing 
someone else could be released instead of me. 

Chan Fail That is a very splendid idea, Wing 
So. I understand the executioner is a most un- 
happy man — he is sick and he has a very cross wife 
— could you not suggest that he take your place? 

Wing So. (Smiling) I could suggest it, yes. 

Chan Fah. Could you, with your beautiful 
hands, chop off his head neatly? 

Wing So. Fm sure I could and with all the 
pleasure in the world. But I fear it cannot be ar- 
ranged. He is a bad man, too, and not ready to 
confront his ancestors. 

Chan Fah. But you, my darling? 

Wing So. I have always been a loving husband 
and most considerate pirate. (Ah Mee enters from 
tea house, takes screen.) I have nothing to fear. 

(Enter Mo Yen, Hing Hi and the Executioner.^ 



14 CHINESE LOVE 

Mo Yen. It is time ; if the honorable wife wishes 
to walk along beside you, Wing So, I can arrange 
it. 

Wing So. On no account whatever. The hon- 
orable wife will walk in precisely the opposite di- 
rection. I will say good-bye to you here, Chan Fah. 
(Bowing) It has been a most pleasurable occasion 
and your society has been highly appreciated. 

Chan Fah. (Bowing) Also to me it has been 
pleasant, honorable husband. 

HiNG Hi. Good-bye, Chan Fah — six cups of tea, 
I drank — very good they were, too. 

Chan Fah. I thank you with all my heart, 
noble, gracious Mandarin Hing Hi. 

(The procession starts, Mo Yen follows, leaving 
Chan Fah alone. Mo Yen calls the pronun- 
ciamento off stage. Ah Mee and Ming Too 
approach from the tea house.) 

Ah Mee. Mo Yen is a very wicked man, also a 
liar. 

Chan Fah. A wicked man and a liar can do a 
kind thing, Ah Mee. 

Ah Mee. If he is paid for it. 

Chan Fah. Yes, and I can well afford to pay 
him. 

Ah Mee. (Anxiously) Those jewels, Chan Fah 
— and this gold which you seem so careless with — 
have you perhaps suddenly come into a fortune ? Or 
did your honorable husband bring you back these 
things from his last trip on the high seas ? 

Chan Fah. What did Mo Yen tell you. Ah 
Mee? That I sold my adored honorable husband 
to the authorities for money? It is true. There 
was no way to hide him or let him make his es- 
cape — so he bade me give him up. I had to obey 



CHINESE LOVE 15 

him. Now I am rich and little Ming Too can be 
well raised. But me — I do not think I can live. 

Ah Mee. Oh, yes, Chan Fah — you can live — I 
see now all quite clearly. And you did right. You 
will have some comfort and pleasure, still — and you 
can wear as many jewels as you wish. You have 
always loved jewels, Chan Fah. 

Chan Fah. Who will see them? 

Ah Mee. And you have Ming Too, you must 
think of him. 

Chan Fah. Yes. He loves you very much. 
Take him home, Ah Mee, and leave me a little while 
by myself. 

Ah Mee. I do not like to leave you, Chan Fah. 

Chan Fah. No, but that you must do. I want 
to sit quietly and remember the things said to me 
by my honorable husband. I want to say them over 
like a lesson, Ah Mee, in order that I may never, 
never forget them. 

Ah Mee. You are sure, dear friend, that you 
wish me to leave you? Also Ming Too, your son? 

Chan Fah. Yes, I am quite sure. 

Ah Mee. Then I will go. Come soon, Chan 
Fah ! (An Mee departs with Ming Too.J 

JEWEL SONG 

("Chan Fah sings.) 

Yes, this is the gold — 

These are the jewels of fashion so splendid. 

When stories are told 

''Here," they will say, "Chan Fah's story was ended ! 

This silken brocade. 

Wrapping her round with its perfume enthralling. 

This dagger of jade. 

Was in her hand when she heard his voice calling !" 



i6 CHINESE LOVE 

Refrain 

See how they sparkle, glistening, shining — 
Emerald and ruby in gold enshrined, 
Glowing in tender, passionate splendor 
Sunlight and moonlight and stars combined ! 
See how they sparkle, glistening, shining, 
Beautiful pearls — chain of tears divine ! 
In dreams I wore them — and I adore them, 
Beautiful jewels, and mine — all mine! 

(During song stage becomes very dim. A spot light 
on Chan Fah. At end of song Wing So en- 
ters L.u. from behind tea house and stands un- 
seen behind tree.) 

(At the end Chan Fah takes out the dagger from 
her dress. She puts her head in her hands, 
weeping a moment, then looks up as if listen- 
ing.) 

Chan Fah. "Come soon, Chan Fah" — that is 
what you are saying to me, dear, honorable husband. 
Yes, yes, I will come ! (She raises the dagger above 
her breast.) 

Wing So. (His voice) Chan Fah — I am saying 
nothing of the kind. 

Chan Fah. Oh, honorable darling, it is your 
voice — ^where are you? 

Wing So. (Appearing belozv tree in a golden 
light) I am here beside you — I think you can see 
me, if you try a little. 

Chan Fah. (Rubbing her eyes) Where? 
Where? Oh, there! Oh, honorable darling one, 
forgive me. 

Wing So. You interrupted me at a most inop- 
portune moment. Chan Fah, I was just being in- 
troduced to my great grandfather, whom I had 



CHINESE LOVE 17 

never met — in the celestial rice fields when I hap- 
pened to hear you speak my name. 

Chan Fah. In the celestial rice fields, my dar- 
ling? Then — then — you have been there? 

Wing So. Certainly. The execution was most 
successful. One clean stroke and I was looking on 
with the rest at the absurd affair. Then, as I say, 
I went to the rice fields in the most glorious sun- 
shine — but I must not tell you about it. It might 
make you discontented. 

Chan Fah. (Anxiously) Do you still love me? 

Wing So. I still love you — but you must live 
your life out, Chan Fah, you must not even play 
with your little dagger. When you die I will come 
and escort you to the celestial rice fields. I hope 
to find you in great comfort. I do not wish my 
honorable wife to be lying in a dusty road — buy 
yourself a beautiful bed, Chan Fah— and promise 
me that you will do your best to die in it. 

Chan Fah. I promise — I promise, dear, darling, 
honorable husband. Could you kiss me — or is that 
forbidden? (He kisses her.) 

(Enter Ah Mee and Ming Too.j 

Ah Mee. I was frightened after I had left you. 
Chan Fah — forgive me — I felt that I must come 
back. 

Chan Fah. (Happily) Do you not see who is 
here? 

Ah Mee. What do you mean, Chan Fah? 

Chan Fah. Can 3^ou not see him? 

("Wing So takes the dagger from Chan Fah, re- 
placing it in her dress.) 

All Mee. I see nothing, Chan Fah — except that 
a very strange thing happened just then. 



i8 CHINESE LOVE 

Chan Fah. Oh! Just then? 

Ah Mee. I was looking at your little dagger — 
and it was replaced in your dress — and you did not 
lift your hand. 

Wing So. There, we cannot do the slightest 
thing without its being noticed ! 

Chan Fah. Oh, I think you must be mistaken, 
Ah Mee — surely nothing so strange as that could 
happen. (She laughs.) 

Ah Mee. Do you feel quite well, Chan Fah? 

Chan Fah. Quite. I never expected to feel so 
well again — I have been remembering, as I said, all 
the things told me by my honorable husband. 

Wing So. See that you do remember them, 
Chan Fah. 

('Ming Too goes to Wing So and endeavors to grasp 
him round the knees. He falls down.) 

Ming Too. Honorable parent ! 
Chan Fah. There, the baby can see- 



WiNG So. I'm sorry I can't pick him up. It is 
forbidden — children would never fall if we could 
catch them. And it is good for them to fall 

Ah Mee. (Anxiously) Will you not come home, 
dear Chan Fah? 

Wing So. Pray do, my darling — and allow me 
to return to my great grandfather. (^WiNi So em- 
braces Chan Fah. J 

Ah Mee. You kiss the air, Chan Fah ! 

Chan Fah. It is very sweet. 

Ah Mee. Will you not come, Chan Fah? 

Chan Fah. Proceed, Ah Mee, I will follow you. 
(Exit Ah Mee and Ming Too. To Wing So) 
Could you not, perhaps accompany me to the gate 
of our house? 

Wing So. Darling, you are keeping me out of 



CHINESE LOVE 19 

heaven. However, I will, and then you will let me 

Chan Fah. Yes. But let us walk very slowly. 

Wing So. (Tenderly) Chan Fah — sometimes, 
if you wish — think of me at this sunset hour and I 
will come to you. Where we part, there we shall 
meet again. 

Chan Fah. Oh, then could you not come just 
inside the gate, my dearest beloved? 

Wing So. Into the garden? Yes — but do not 
ask me to go further, my darling 

Chan Fah. No. You are too radiant to be 
quite safe in our small house. (She sings. And at 
the end of song they go off together.) 

In our garden gay with flow'rs, 
I'll await the sunset hours — 
Close my eyes and dream, dear, 
Till I hear you call. 

Love, beautiful, golden love, 

Deep in your eyes will shine. 

Looking down into mine, 

Again my own will answer, 

Love, beautiful, golden love, 

It was our dream, and so 

Into the dream we go — 

The dream of beautiful, golden love ! 

CURTAIN 



THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. 

The famous comedy in thrae acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 
females. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2%. hours. 

This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for "Aunt 
Mary," "Jack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda." a New England an- 
cient maid of all work; "Jack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack" loves; 
"Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired man. etc. 

"Aunt Mary" was played hy May Robson in New York and on tour 
for over two years, and it is sure ti> be a big success wherever pra 
duced. We strongly recotnaienj it. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. 

A pleasing- comedy, in three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of 
"The Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. 
Costumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

Mr. Smith chose for his initial comedy the complications arising 
from the endeavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude 
peopled by hyphenated names — a theme permitting innumerable com- 
plications, according to the spirit of the writer. 

This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs 
Ftske with enormous success. PriK:e, 60 Cents 



MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. 

A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and WM- 
liam Morris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene stands through- 
out the three acts. Costumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

"Mrs. Temple's Telegram" is a sprightly farce in which there ia 
an abundance of fun without any taint of impropriety or any ole- 
ment of offence. As noticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, what a 
tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." 

There is not a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time 
the curtain rises until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and 
furious. A very exceptional farce. Price, 60 Cents. 



THE NEW CO-ED. 

A comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "Tempest and 
Sunshine," etc. Characters, 4 malea. 7 females, though any number 
of boys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One 
interior and one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one inte- 
rior scene. Costumes mcxiern. Time, about 2 hours. 

The theme of this play is the coming of a new student to the col- 
lege, her reception by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. 

There are three especially good girls' parts. Letty, Madge and 
Estelle, but the others have plenty to do. "Punch" Doolittle and 
George Washineton Watts, a gentleman of color, are two particularly 
«ood comedy characters. We can strongly recommend "The New 
Co-Ed" to high schools and amateurs. Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 23-30 West 38th Street. New York City 

New snj Expiicit Oe:>c;ipri^/e Cat<i!agu6 Mailed Free or Ri 



BILLETED. 

A comedy in 3 acts, by F. Tennison Jesse and H. Harwood. 4 
males. 5 females. One easy interior scer>». A charming comedy, 
constructed with uncommon skill, and abounds with clever lines. 
Margaret AngJin's b;rr success. Amateurs will find this comedy easy 
to produce and popular with all audieucee. Price, 63 Cents. 



NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. 

A comedy in 3 acts. By James Montgomery. 5 males, 6 females. 
Costumes, modern. Two interior scenes. Plays 2^ hours. 

Is it possible to tell the absolute truth — even for twenty-four hours? 
It is— at least Bob Bennett, the hero of "Nothing But the Truth," 
accomplished the feat. The bet he made with his business partners, 
and the trouble he got into — with his partners, his friends, and his 
fiancee — this is the subject of William Collier's tremendous comedy 
hit. "Nothing But the Truth" can be whole-heartedly recommended 
as one of the most sprightly, amusing and popular comedies that this 
country cvj boast. Price, 60 Cente. 



IN WALKED JIMMY. 



A comedy in 4 acts, by Minnie Z. Jaffa. 10 males, 2 females (al- 
though any number of males and females may be used as clerks, 
etc.). Two interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2'-^ hours. 
The thing into which Jimmy walked was a broken-down shoe factory, 
when the clerks had all been fired, and when the proprietor was in 
seriotJS contemplation of suicide. 

Jimmy, nothing else but plain Jimmy, would have been a mysterious 
figurt had it not been for his matter-of-fact manner, his smile and 
his everlasting humanness. He put the ?hce business on its feet, won 
the heart of the girl clerk, saved her erring brother from jail, escaped 
that place as a permanent boarding house himself, and foiled the 
villain. 

Clean, wholesome comedy with just a touch of human nature, just 
a dash of excitement and more than a little bit of true philosophy 
make "In Walked Jimmy" one cf the most delightful of plays. 
Jimmy is full of the religion of life, the religion of happiness and 
the religion of helpfulness, and he so permeates the atmosphere with 
his "religion" that everyone is happy. The spirit of optimism, good 
cheer, and hearty laughter dominates the play. There is not a dull 
moment in any of the four acts. We strongly recommend it. 

Price, 60 Cents. 



MARTHA BY-TKE-DAY. 

An optimistic comedy in three acts, by Julie M. Lippmann, author 
cf the "Martha" stories. 5 males, 5 females. Three interior scenes. 
Costumes modern. Plays 2V; hours. 

It is altogether a gentle th.iig. this play. It is full of quaint hu- 
mor, old-fashioned, homely sentiment, the kind that people who see 
the play will recall and chuckle over to-morrow and the next day. 

Miss Lippmann has herself adapted her very successful book for 
stage service, and in doing this has selected from her novel the most 
telling incidents, infectious comedy and homely sentiment for the 
play, and the result is thoroughly delightful. Price, 60 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 Weit 38th Street, New York City 

New aid Expficrt Descriptive CatJsgoe Mailed Free on Request 



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